Academy teams split opening games

The Dynamo Academy's competitive teams split their regular season openers on Sunday on the road against Lonestar SC at St. Stephen's Episcopal School in Austin. Both the U-16 and U-18 teams will return to action on Saturday afternoon at the Carl Lewis Track & Field Complex, hosting the Dallas Texans at 2 and 4 p.m.

The U-18s opened the day playing without six starters but still started well with a strong opening 30 minutes. Forward Jade George (Lone Star College Cy Fair) scored the first goal of the 2010-11 season in the first half to give Houston a 1-0 lead. The Dynamo, however, were frustrated to give up two sloppy goals before halftime and fail to convert on numerous chances throughout the match, eventually falling 3-1.

In a role reversal from last year, the U-16s salvaged the day with a strong performance in the second game, earning a 2-1 win to start the season with a 1-0 record. The Dynamo dominated the match throughout and went ahead 2-0 on goals from Giovanni Najar, making his Dynamo Academy debut, and veteran defender Bradley Bourgeois (Cy-Fair). Bryan Salazar (Fort Bend Bush) set up both goals. Houston allowed a late goal but held on for the win.

In other Dynamo Academy news this weekend, two players in the college ranks starred on the same field on Sunday, as midfielder Josue Soto had a goal and an assist to help SMU go 2-0 on the weekend, and defender Matt Boullt helped No. 2 Tulsa notch back-to-back shutouts in the Hurricane Classic in Tulsa. A full Academy College Report will be available on HoustonDynamo.com on Monday.